Biomass Pellets Combustion for Asphalt Drier Drum Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current asphalt production methods rely on fossil fuels for heating, leading to high carbon dioxide emissions and inconsistent temperatures in the drier drum, which are detrimental to the environment and working conditions.

Innovation Solution

An asphalt production arrangement using a pellets combustion device that burns wood or biomass to heat the drier drum, ensuring consistent temperature through precise regulation of pulverized pellets, reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a burner running on heavy oil, diesel, coal or propane gas is used as heat source, then the drier can heat the aggregate to required temperature, but it causes high carbon dioxide emissions and is harmful to the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaggregate temperatureVSAvoidcarbon dioxide emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fuel parameter from fossil fuels (heavy oil, diesel, coal, propane gas) to biomass-based fuel (wood chips, bark, straw, husks). This parameter change maintains the heating capability while eliminating carbon dioxide emissions, as the biomass fuel is carbon-neutral when sustainably sourced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses readily available biomass materials (wood chips, bark, straw, husks) as fuel sources. These are abundant, renewable resources that can be sustainably replenished, replacing finite fossil fuels with renewable short-living organic materials that leave minimal environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a traditional burner is used as heat source, then the drier can operate continuously, but the temperature in the drier is inconsistent over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidtemperature consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates a control system that monitors the temperature in the drier and adjusts the fuel feed rate accordingly. When temperature drops, the system increases fuel supply; when temperature is sufficient, it reduces fuel supply. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent temperature during continuous operation while optimizing fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from static fuel feeding to dynamic fuel feeding, where the fuel supply rate continuously adjusts based on real-time temperature conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable temperature despite continuous operation and varying load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If fossil fuels are burned for heating, then the asphalt production process can be maintained, but it creates undesirable environmental consequences and poor working conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasphalt production capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental harm and working conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fuel type parameter from polluting fossil fuels to clean biomass fuel. This substitution maintains full productivity of asphalt production while eliminating harmful emissions, improving both environmental impact and working conditions for operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts agricultural and forestry waste materials (wood chips, bark, straw, husks) that would otherwise be discarded or burned openly into a controlled, efficient fuel source. This transforms potential environmental hazards into a beneficial renewable energy resource that powers asphalt production cleanly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method provides a more environmentally friendly and efficient heating solution for asphalt production, maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing carbon footprint by utilizing renewable biomass energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

The heat source comprises a pellets combustion device adapted to burn wood or biomass, or pellets, or pulverized pellets, of wood or biomass in order to generate the heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP2679724B1Asphalt production arrangement and a method for heating a drier drum in an asphalt production arrangement
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 NCC ROADS HLDG
  • EP2679724B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2679724B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an asphalt production arrangement (1) for preparation of an asphalt mixture. The arrangement (1) comprises a hollow drier drum (2), adapted to hold an aggregate for an asphalt mixture, and a heat source (3) arranged in connection with said drier drum (2). The heat source (3) is adapted to heat said drier drum (2), such that said aggregate is heated to a desired temperature. The heat source (3) comprises a pellets combustion device (4) adapted to bum wood or biomass, or pellets, or pulverized pellets of wood or biomass in order to generate said heat. The present invention further relates to a method for heating a drier drum (2) in such an asphalt production arrangement (1).